IT'S easy to lose the thread when trying to weave a passion with a job.
But one woman has showed grit and determination to land herself a prized placement at the aptly named Paradise Mill in Macclesfield.
The town's resident weaver, Lorna Cloke, 24, left her home and friends in Somerset to travel North to work in a museum on 19th century machinery... not everybody's idea of fun.
Lorna, who lives in Bridge Street, said: "I am passionate about what I do, if I won the lottery I'd set up my own studio.
"But adverts for a weaver are not something you come across on a daily basis, so I had to seize this fantastic opportunity.
"Not everybody gets the chance to get paid to do their hobby, try and turn it into a career, and be able to express themselves all at the same time."
Lorna works with multi-fibres, cotton and acrylic crepes and makes contemporary textiles inspired by both the desire to touch and organic matter.
She makes scarves, tote bags and occasionally her own clothes.
Modest Lorna qualified with flying colours from the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design with a degree in Fashion and Textiles three years ago, but said she was surprised to get this placement.
She said: "I guess not many people would move to a place where they don't know anyone.
"I've got lots of lovely friends aged 70 to 80 who work voluntarily here, but it's hard meeting people of my own age.
"I suppose this line of work isn't for everyone, it's certainly not easy, but I really enjoy it."
Macclesfield was a world leader in the silk and textile industries during the early nineteenth century when it played a vital role in Lancashire's industrial revolution.
Today Paradise Mill stands as a poignant testament to that period, and some of its 150-year-old Dobby looms are still in operation.
Visitors can hear and see a bit of that history being recreated by Lorna, who uses the looms during opening hours to help recreate a piece of the atmosphere from the bygone era.
She said: "I used to work in town as well, but I had to give it up to concentrate on this.
"I remember finishing work on the morning shift and telling people I was then going to my proper job.
"They thought I was mad!"
Lorna's ambition is to set herself up and become a designer.
She said: "I'm not from an arty family, I did a foundation course and sort of fell into it.
"But I was keen on textiles from the start and I wanted a career that there was at least some hope in.
"Colour has a very strong influence on me and that comes through in my work."
Paradise Mill is open to the public on Saturdays from to 1-4pm.
The work which Lorna has produced on the looms over the past year - it's a two year placement - is now on show at the Bollington Arts Centre.
The exhibition, called Organik Ploom, is open on Sunday, February 17 at the Arts Centre on Wellington Road from 2-4pm.
